Which Healthcare Certifications Pay the Most? A Guide to Higher-Earning Medical Jobs Through Certification

The importance of certified healthcare professionals cannot be overstated. These people play a critical role in effectively delivering healthcare services, and ensuring patients receive the highest quality care possible. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and treatments, the need for skilled and certified professionals will only continue to grow.

Whether you're just starting your career journey, seeking a change, or looking to advance in your current healthcare role, obtaining the right certification can open doors to fulfilling and financially rewarding opportunities. So, let's dive in and explore the healthcare certifications that have the potential to land you the highest-paying medical and healthcare jobs.

Read more: 12 Healthcare and Medical Careers In Demand

Certification: Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (CCS-P)

Certifying Organization: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Requirements: Two years of experience in medical coding or courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, and reimbursements, among others.

Length of Program: 4-12 months (average)

Average Cost: $2,500 - $4,000

Average Salary: $58,236

Should I get training? Recommended

Continuing education: CCS-Ps must complete 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years to maintain their certification.

Job outlook and growth potential: The job outlook for medical coders is positive, with a growth rate of about 7% from 2021 to 2031.

Pros:

• Growing demand for medical coders
• Opportunities for remote work
• Opportunities for specialization in various medical fields

Cons:

• Requires continuous learning due to changing medical coding standards
• Can be repetitive and detail-oriented work

Skills and personal attributes: Attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, analytical skills, strong communication, and organizational skills.

Learn more: Specialty Certifications in Medical Coding & Billing

Certification: Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)

Certifying Organization: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Requirements: High school diploma

Length of Program: 3-6 months (average)

Average Cost: $1,000 - $3,000

Average Salary: $31,400

Should I get training? Recommended

Continuing education: CPCTs must complete continuing education requirements as mandated by their certifying body and employer.

Job outlook and growth potential: The job outlook for patient care technicians is around 5% through 2031.

Pros:

• High demand for patient care technicians
• Opportunity to work in various healthcare settings
• Ability to build strong patient relationships

Cons:

• Physically demanding work
• Emotional stress due to working with patients in distress

Skills and personal attributes: Compassion, strong communication skills, patience, multitasking, and attention to detail.

Learn more: How to Become a Patient Care Technician

Certification: Certified EKG Technician (CET)

Certifying Organization: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Requirements: High school diploma and experience in the healthcare industry

Length of Program: 3-6 months (average)

Average Cost: $1,000 - $2,500

Average Salary: $60,570

Should I get training? Recommended

Continuing education: CETs must complete continuing education requirements as mandated by their certifying body and employer.

Job outlook and growth potential: The job outlook for EKG technicians is positive, with a growth rate of about 17% to 2030. The need for cardiology EKG technicians increases as our population ages.

Pros:

• Growing demand for EKG technicians
• Opportunities to work in various healthcare settings
• Relatively short training period

Cons:

• Limited opportunities for career advancement without additional education
• Can be emotionally demanding working with patients who have heart issues

Skills and personal attributes: Attention to detail, strong communication skills, empathy, ability to work well under pressure, and technical aptitude.

Learn more: How to Become an EKG Tech

Certification: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Certifying Organization: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Requirements: High school diploma

Length of Program: 2-6 months (average)

Average Cost: $1,000 - $3,000

Average Salary: $37,380

Should I get training? Recommended

Continuing education: CPTs must complete continuing education requirements as mandated by their certifying body and employer.

Job outlook and growth potential: The job outlook for phlebotomy technicians is higher than average, with a growth rate of about 10% from 2021 to 2031.

Pros:

• High demand for phlebotomy technicians
• Short training period
• Opportunity to work in various healthcare settings

Cons:

• Exposure to blood and other bodily fluids
• Limited career advancement without additional education or certifications

Skills and personal attributes: Excellent hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, strong communication skills, ability to work well under pressure, and empathy.

Learn more: How to Become a Phlebotomy Tech

Certification: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Certifying Organization: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Requirements: High school diploma and one year of professional experience

Length of Program: 6-12 months (average)

Average Cost: $2,000 - $4,000

Average Salary: $37,190

Should I get training? Recommended

Continuing education: CCMAs must complete continuing education requirements as mandated by their certifying body and employer.

Job outlook and growth potential: The job outlook for medical assistants is higher than any other healthcare role with a growth rate of about 16% from 2021 to 2031.

Pros:

• High demand for medical assistants
• Opportunity to work in various healthcare settings
• Variety in daily tasks

Cons:

• May involve long hours and be physically demanding
• Limited career

Skills and personal attributes: Proficiency in clinical procedures, strong communication, patient care skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced medical setting.

Learn more: Your Guide to Medical Assistant Duties

Certification: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Certifying Organization: American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

Requirements: Completion of a training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Length of Program: 9-12 months (average)

Average Cost: $2,500 - $5,000

Average Salary: $37,190

Should I get training? Required

Continuing education: CMAs must recertify every 60 months, either by completing 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or by passing the CMA Certification/Recertification Exam.

Job outlook and growth potential: Projected job growth for medical assistants over the next 8 years is 16%. There is a demand for certified medical assistants all over the country.

Pros:

• High demand for medical assistants
• Opportunity to work in various healthcare settings
• Variety in daily tasks

Cons:

• May involve long hours and be physically demanding
• Limited career advancement without additional education or certifications

Skills and personal attributes: Strong communication skills, multitasking, attention to detail, empathy, and ability to work well under pressure.

Learn more: How to Become a Medical Assistant

Certification: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certifying Organization: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalent and completion of a state-approved training program

Length of Program: 4-12 weeks (average)

Average Cost: $1,000 - $2,000

Average Salary: $30,290

Should I get training? Required

Continuing education: CNAs must typically complete 12 to 48 hours of continuing education every two years, depending on state requirements.

Job outlook and growth potential: The job outlook for nursing assistants is positive, with a growth rate of about 5% over the next 8 years. This is average, expected job growth for this role.

Pros:

• High demand for nursing assistants
• Opportunity to work in various healthcare settings
• Short training period

Cons:

• Physically and emotionally demanding work
• Limited career advancement without additional education or certifications

Skills and personal attributes: Compassion, strong communication skills, patience, multitasking, and attention to detail.

Learn more: How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

Certification: Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Certifying Organization: Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

Requirements: High school diploma and completion of a 40-hour training course

Length of Program: 40-hour training course

Average Cost: $300 - $600

Average Salary: $36,230

Should I get training? Required

Continuing education: RBTs must complete an annual renewal process, including a renewal application and ongoing supervision.

Job outlook and growth potential: RBTs—along with other psychiatric support roles—are experiencing job growth of 9%. This is higher than average due to the increased demand for mental and behavioral health services.

Pros:

• High demand for RBTs due to the increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on clients' lives
• Can work in various settings, such as schools, clinics, or homes

Cons:

• Emotionally demanding work
• May involve irregular hours, including evenings and weekends

Skills and personal attributes: Empathy, patience, strong communication skills, ability to work well under pressure, and adaptability.

Learn more: How to Become a Registered Behavior Tech

Certification: Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certifying Organization: American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

Requirements: High school diploma, two years of proven job experience as a medical coder, and AAPC membership

Length of Program: 4-9 months (average)

Average Cost: $2,000 - $3,500

Average Salary: $46,660

Should I get training? Recommended

Continuing education: CPCs must complete 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years to maintain their certification.

Job outlook and growth potential: Coders are in demand—the industry is predicting 7% job growth through 2031.

Pros:

• Growing demand for medical coders
• Opportunities for remote work
• Opportunities for specialization in various medical fields

Cons:

• Requires continuous learning due to changing medical coding standards
• Can be repetitive and detail-oriented work

Skills and personal attributes: Diligence, knowledge of medical terminology, analytical skills, strong communication, and organizational skills.

Learn more: Which Medical Coding & Billing Certification Exam Should You Take? The CBCS or the CPC?

Certification: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Certifying Organization: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

Requirements: High school diploma

Length of Program: 4-8 months (average)

Average Cost: $1,000 - $3,000

Average Salary: $36,740

Should I get training? Recommended

Continuing education: CPhTs must recertify every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education, including at least one hour of pharmacy law and one hour of patient safety.

Job outlook and growth potential: Pharmacy technicians are experiencing 4% job growth. While lower than average, it is expected due to many CPhTs leaving the field over the last few years.

Pros:

• Opportunity to work in various settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and mail-order pharmacies
• Can gain valuable experience in the healthcare industry and pharmaceuticals
• Relatively short training period compared to other healthcare professions

Cons:

• Lower growth rate compared to other healthcare professions
• May involve long hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Limited career advancement without more education or certifications

Skills and personal attributes: Mindfulness, knowledge of pharmaceuticals and medication dosages, strong communication, adaptability, and organizational skills.

Learn more: How to Become a Pharmacy Tech